Praxair installs new emissions control technology at Valero Oklahoma refinery

Praxair says its proprietary CONOx system is a practical, low-capital cost technology for refiners searching for a way to reduce emissions. It also allows refiners more flexibility to modify the operation of the FCC unit as needed while ensuring FCC limits are always being met.

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Praxair and Valero have successfully implemented
Praxairs new CONOxemissions control technology at
Valeros refinery in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the companies said
on Friday.

This technology has helped the refinery meet its fluid catalytic
cracking (FCC) unit nitrogen oxide reduction target without
requiring a shutdown for installation.

Praxair says its proprietary CONOx system is a
practical, low-capital cost technology for refiners searching
for a way to reduce emissions. It also allows refiners
more flexibility to modify the operation of the FCC unit as
needed while ensuring FCC limits are always being met.

After eight months of operation at the Ardmore facility, the
CONOx system continues to meet Valeros needs and
provide necessary NOx reduction, according to the company.

Praxair refining specialists have
collaborated with refiners for decades and have extensive
knowledge of FCC units, said Subodh Ganguly, director of
refinery and hydrogen applications
for Praxair.

As one of the worlds leading industrial gas
companies, we have many successful oxygen enrichment
installations in refineries. Our experience enabled us to
implement FCC improvements with minimal downtime and an
ever-present focus on safety."

The CONOx lance installed in the FCC operated
reliably over a wide range of conditions and met the refinery's
NOx reduction requirements.

Praxair says the CONOx lance is a unique approach to
NOx reduction, allowing Praxair to offer Valero a solution
that did not involve reduced charge rate or more expensive feedstock. Timing was critical, and
the simplicity of the system allowed for faster installation to
meet Valeros requirements.

Valero and Praxair plan to continue to work together
to assess additional applications for CONOx technology and evaluate other
opportunities to improve the performance and reliability of refinery operations, said Mike
Jordan, vice president of Praxair's hydrogen business in
the US.

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It is good to know that something is being done about this problem that has existed for a while now. I would like to get more information on this technology to how we can implement it with some of our processes.